Mateship to be left behind in the ring

TWO local boxing stars and former sparring partners will face off in pursuit of the first Tasmanian cruiserweight title later this month.

Good friends Jayden “Plugger” Joseph and Johnny Brown will go head to head on the undercard of the highly awaited WBO Oriental featherweight title bout between Tasmanian Luke Jackson and Mexican boxer Humberto de Santiago at City Hall on September 16.

The manager of both fighters, Grant “Tassie” Brown, believes the Tasmanian public has a lot to look forward to from the encounter and that a big crowd will boost the future of showcase events coming to Hobart in future.

“We’re very excited to have these two local champions go for the first state cruiserweight title. It is going to be an electrifying bout,” Brown said.

“We always get good crowds but if Tasmania wants a world championship Luke Jackson fight next year, this fight will need to be supported.”

Johnny Brown, 33, of Rokeby, knows he is in for a tough fight, with an opportunity to contest for the maiden Tasmanian cruiserweight title informing his preparation.

“I’ve been training really hard for it. I know that Plugger is no slouch and I’m up for a hard fight,” he said. “This has to be the biggest fight of my career, being a professional title. I’m just looking forward to going in and hopefully getting the title.”

The two boxers have known each other for a long time, having grown up in the same neighbourhood and 24- year-old Joseph, of Brighton, is hoping he can use what he knows about Brown to his own advantage.

“I’m coming down a little bit of weight for this fight and doing a lot more cardio,” Joseph said.

“It is mentally a lot harder and physically tougher on the body but I feel better for it. Johnny is an awkward fighter, so we are trying with different styles, different combinations and lots of speed work. We are two Tasmanian boys from a hard neighbourhood so there is a lot of pride on the line.” Anthony Osborn is a UTas journalism student.